Can You Get Laser Eye Surgery After Cataract Surgery?

So, you’ve had cataract surgery, and your cloudy lens has been swapped for a clear artificial lens. Your vision is better, but maybe not as sharp as you’d hoped. You’re still reaching for your glasses or contact lenses, and now you’re wondering if laser eye surgery can fix it?

Short answer? Yes, sometimes. But it depends on your eyes and what exactly needs correcting.

At Re:vision, we specialise in vision correction treatments and offer a full range of laser eye surgery procedures. In this article, we explain why some people still need laser eye surgery after cataract surgery, what laser surgery can (and can’t) fix, and who might be a good candidate.

Why Would Someone Want Laser Eye Surgery After Cataract Surgery?

Most people expect perfect vision after cataract surgery, but that’s not always how it works. Some people still need glasses or contact lenses, and that can be frustrating, especially if they were hoping to ditch them for good.

Sometimes, vision changes over time. Even after getting a clear artificial lens, prescriptions can shift, leading to blurry vision. This can occur naturally as the eyes age.

Another reason? Residual refractive errors. If someone had astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness, their lens replacement alone might not have fully corrected it. Some people also find that their cataract lens doesn’t help with near vision, especially if they had a monofocal lens. In that case, laser vision correction might help them rely less on glasses.

Is Laser Eye Surgery an Option After Cataract Surgery?

Essentially, yes. But it depends on what’s causing the issue. Laser eye surgery can fine-tune vision, but it’s not a magic fix for everything.

If you still have refractive errors, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, then laser treatment can help by reshaping the cornea. This can sharpen your vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.

But if the issue is with the cataract replacement lens itself, for instance, if it wasn’t the right choice for your needs or it’s no longer working well, laser surgery won’t fix that. In that case, a lens exchange might be needed instead.

If laser treatment is an option, the most common procedures are:

• LASIK surgery: Uses an excimer laser and femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea and correct vision. This is a popular refractive surgery option for fine-tuning after cataract surgery.
• PRK: A surface-based laser treatment that may be better for people with thin corneas or those who aren’t LASIK candidates. This is a popular refractive surgery option for fine-tuning after cataract surgery.

What Are the Risks and Considerations?

Getting laser eye surgery after cataract surgery isn’t the same as getting it before. Your eyes have already been through one procedure, which means there are a few extra things to think about:

• Healing takes longer: Since your eyes have already had surgery, recovery might take a little longer compared to a standard LASIK procedure. Your eye surgeon will go over what to expect.
• Results may not be as drastic: Before cataract surgery, LASIK surgery corrects the natural lens and cornea together. After cataract surgery, you already have an artificial lens in place, so laser treatment can only tweak your vision, not completely reset it.
• Some people may still need glasses: If you had a monofocal lens implanted, you may still need glasses and contact lenses for reading or close-up work, even after laser correction.
• Not everyone is a candidate: The success of laser vision correction depends on your corneal health. If you have issues like scarring or severely dry eyes, it may not be the right option.

Who's a Good Candidate?

Not everyone can get laser eye surgery after cataract surgery. But for some, it’s a great way to sharpen distance vision and cut down on the need for glasses and contact lenses. You might be a good fit if:

• Your prescription is stable: If your vision hasn’t changed for a while, it could mean that it's a good time to consider laser treatment.
• You still have refractive errors: You can often correct leftover nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism with laser vision correction.
• Your corneas are healthy: Strong, healthy corneas are essential for LASIK surgery. If they’re thin, PRK may be a better option.
• No major eye diseases: If you don’t have glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other serious eye conditions, laser surgery could be a safe choice.
• You’ve had a proper assessment: A specialist consultation can confirm whether laser treatment or a refractive lens exchange is the best option for you.

Laser Eye Surgery NZ

So, can you get laser eye surgery after cataract surgery? In some cases, yes. But it depends on what’s causing the problem, along with other factors, like your current eye health. There's only one way to know for sure. And that's to get your eyes checked by a trusted eye doctor.

At Re:vision, we offer free laser assessments and expert advice to help you figure out if laser vision correction is right for you. If you’re still dealing with blurry vision or stuck wearing glasses and contact lenses after cataract surgery, it’s definitely worth exploring your options. We’ll check your eyes, explain what’s possible, and help you find the best solution, whether that’s laser treatment, a lens exchange, or something else.

If you’re wondering about laser eye surgery cost, it varies depending on the procedure and what your eyes need. The best way to get an accurate idea is to book a consultation and get personalised advice based on your vision goals.

Contact our team today to book your free assessment.

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